here was a company that made all kinds of unconscionable bets, then when those bets went wrong, we had a situation where the failure of that company would have brought down the financial system. >> deciding to support aig was one of the most difficult choices i have ever been involved in, in over 20 years of public service. we acted because the consequences of aig failing would have been catastrophic for our economy and for american families and businesses. >> remember back then, a nightmare. so back in september of 2008, chairman and ceo ed liddy said aig appreciated, quote, the lifeline the government had given it. they appreciated it. today, aig is still thanking the government. this ad is running right now. take a look. >> we've repaid every dollar that america lent to us. >> everything, plus a profit of more than $22 billion. >> for the american people. >> aig, we turned it around. >> thank you, america. >> thank you, america. >> thank you, america, for the freedom to ensure a brighter future. >> well, gosh, that seems really nice. it's all true. aig is profitable today, it paid b